Workshops

Script Analysis for Actors, Writers, and Directors: Each script contains thousands of secrets. Some are obvious, but some are buried deep beneath the surface of the text. Learn techniques that will help you discover these secrets and become a smarter and more prepared writer, actor, director, and auditioner. For students and teachers; all levels. 

The Relationship Between Playwright and Dramaturge: A dramaturge and a playwright should coexist in a world of perfect symbiosis, each bringing a special set of skills to the table, fighting to create the best play possible. All to often these relationships are tenuous because someone neglects their role in the process. In this workshop we discuss ways to create a common vocabulary, talk about plays, handle suggestions, and be better readers and listeners.

What Should I Write About? Creative Solutions to Writer’s Block: There is nothing scarier than the blank page. Anything is possible. And with endless possibilities comes paralysis. In this workshop we will explore simple ways of generating new material and find creative ways of starting your next scene. Bring a pen and paper; we’ll come up with the ideas together. For students and teachers; all levels.

Feedback: What is Helpful and What is Harmful to the Creative Process?: As artists, people always want to offer an opinion on your work. We also want to get opinions on our work. How does one push through all the muck and decide what feedback is helpful to creating stronger work and what will only debilitate you? This session will offer a way to both give and receive feedback that will make you better artists and, perhaps, better spectators. For students and teachers of all levels.

I've Written a Play. What Should I Do Next?: Some say the first draft is the hardest to finish, but the second draft is when the work really starts. We will discuss character, structure, subtext, dialogue, and the rhythms of playwriting. You have not finished your play until you get it performance ready.    

The Tent-poles of Playwriting: Dialogue, Structure, Character, Plot, Theme: In this nuts and bolts workshop, we define and discuss the basics of playwriting. By understanding how dialogue, structure, character, plot, and theme work, any person can get to work on a new play.

Comedic Playwriting: “Dying is easy, comedy is hard.” In this workshop, we explore the common pitfalls of the comic genre including crossing into the offensive, taking a detour from story to get to a joke, simply meeting expectations, and rushing the process. It's also a chance to tell some of our favorite jokes.

Places I've Taught Workshops

  • Center Theatre Group; Los Angeles, CA
  • International Thespian Festival; Lincoln, NE
  • Augustana College; Rock Island, IL
  • Kennedy Center/ACTF; Los Angeles, CA
  • Pleasant Valley High School; Bettendorf, IA
  • Santa Margarita Catholic High School; Santa Margarita, CA